Bone Mineral Density is Calcium in Bone

Why do some patients, who are already on good osteoporosis preventing or treating medications, still have a falling Bone Mineral Density?  Are the medications not working?  Not as well as they should!  Why?  Even the best medications cannot work without enough CALCIUM intake and absorption.

If you want to improve your bones you must ABSORB enough calcium.  This can be a bit tricky.  You need the right kind of calcium, taken in food or with food, and spread out over 3 meals or snacks.  “Calcium” is Calcium Carbonate which requires lots of acid to dissolve.  This often is a problem if you take antacids, have heartburn or GERD, have digestive issues like lactose sensitivity, celiac or IBS, or are just “too old”, which begins at 50.

Calcium in foods is easy to absorb.  Calcium Citrate tablets or Tricalcium Phosphate Gummies require 2 tablets or gummies to total the 400 or 500 or 600 mg on the label.  Adora Chocolates are 500 mg each.  We recommend taking in 1200-1500 mg calcium daily.  That means 400-500mg at each of 3 meals.

DXA does not show bones.  DXA shows calcium.  Calcium stiffens and strengthens bones.  You cannot have good BMD or good bones without enough calcium!  Take control of your bone health with adequate calcium in diet and supplements.

Next time a listing of Calcium in Foods

Jay Ginther, MD

Categorised in: Bone Health, Nutrition, Osteoporosis, Take Control Naturally